Modern-day fatherhood is no mean feat. Have you met children? Raising daughters is doubly difficult because of a culture and society that’s mostly unfair to women. Still, being a father to girls has its rewards in the small, unexpected moments. I discussed with five young fathers about their favourite things raising daughters.
Ken
Daughters aged 2 and 4.
My favourite part about raising them is observing them play and listening to the conversations they have with each other. I love reading with them because I like to teach.
My babies are young so the hardest part about raising them right now is settling their incessant squabbles when they fight over toys, getting them to eat and lulling them to sleep, which is the hardest. On a broader level, it’s difficult raising children right now because they need to play outdoors and with other children but can’t right now because of the pandemic. I don’t think there’s a significant difference in the challenges in raising girls compared to boys that can be pinpointed on their gender.
Zaid
Daughters aged 5 and 6.
They were born so close together, they look like twins. I’d always wanted daughters because I grew up without an older sister. Raising them has been fun and I have a very tight bond with them. They’re thoughtful, inquisitive and always need attention, like their mother. I’m only afraid of bad habits they might pick up when they’re older.
Tex
Daughters aged 13, 11 and 7.
It has to be the hugs, kisses and “I love you’s”. It’s warm, open and expressive. I also love when we spontaneously gather around the piano to sing together. It’s really cute.
I feel like the world is kinder to boys and men so I feel a constant tension between letting them be and feeling like I have to make them tougher for the challenges ahead.
Bruce
Daughter aged 2.
I love the fact that having daughters has given me the chance to understand women’s growth and dynamics from the onset. It’s been a powerful and insightful experience. Girls are forced to grow up too fast. Their childhood is cut short earlier than boys’ because, from an early age, we have to teach her not to trust strangers. I’m avoiding forcing adulthood on my baby by being part of her growth as possible to ensure we can always talk about anything. I run a community of Dads who are looking to exchange ideas on how best to navigate fatherhood.
Osas
Daughter aged 2
My daughter likes to talks a lot and very well for a two year old. She’s always making conversation with me at her young age. She loves music and is very vocal about her choice in music.
There’s this unadulterated, raw feeling of love in the eyes of my daughter when she looks at me. There’s absolutely nothing I won’t do for her when she looks at me that way. It’s difficult to disappoint them. It is very difficult keeping up with daughters. What they want is what they want and they won’t let you be until they get it.
If you enjoyed this, you’ll love this too: 4 Nigerian Men Tell Us What It Is Like Being A Single Dad
Want to disappear down a rabbit hole of men-focused content? Click here.
COMPONENT NOT FOUND: donation COMPONENT NOT FOUND: donation
